We did a last-minute buy on an off-season cruise that was a great bargain, and when we checked aboard for cabin assignments, we were happily surprised when the purser bumped us up to a suite on an upper deck.

One of the perks was that we had our own personal cabin attendant, a guy dressed as a butler. We had never experienced such service before, and felt a bit intimidated when he always seemed to be around to fulfill our every need.

When I cruised with the Navy many years ago, we didn’t have butlers. Maybe captains and admirals did. In my case, during my first six months at sea, I was a sort of butler. I cleared off tables, served coffee to crew members, and washed dishes, silverware and trays.

Butlers are nothing new in today’s cruises. Many lines offer the uppity service to passengers in the higher-level suites. Of course, you pay for it, and when the cruise is over, the butler expects a healthy tip.

Our butler certainly deserved our praise and departing tip. He made sure everything went right for us, from dining and spa reservations and dinner served on our balcony. He helped us when we arrived with unpacking, and on the last day with our packing for home. I could get used to this kind of pampering.

If you’d like a butler on your next cruise, when you’re making reservations with your favorite hometown or online travel agency, ask if this unique service is offered for your trip.